Targeted and controlled drug delivery system loading artersunate for effective chemotherapy on CD44 overexpressing cancer cells

Poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with negative surface charge were reversed to positive by cationic surfactant-DDAB before being coated with an anionic polymer, hyaluronic acid, to improve their site-specific intracellular delivery against CD44 receptor overexpressing cancer cells. Incorporating artesunate (ART)—a promising anticancer drug into PLGA/HA nanoparticles, is expected not only to overcome its poor aqueous solubility and stability but also enhance the activities. The obtained particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cancer cell internalization of the NPs was evaluated by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity of the NPs was tested by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. PLGA/HA nanoparticles showed greater extent of cellular uptake to SCC-7 and MCF-7 cells, indicating their affinity with CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis. Almost 60 % of ART was released into the outer media after 48 h. In vitro fluorescence sorting demonstrated that PLGA/HA had highly efficient targeting and accumulation into CD44 receptor overexpression cells. The significant reduction in cell viability as well as greater induction of apoptosis suggested a potential in anticancer therapy of ART loaded PLGA/HA.     

Anticancer therapeutics: targeting macromolecules and nanocarriers to hyaluronan or CD44, a hyaluronan receptor

The complex system involved in the synthesis, degradation and binding of the high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan or HA) provides a variety of structures that can be exploited for targeted cancer therapy. In many cancers of epithelial origin there is an upregulation of CD44, a receptor that binds HA. In other cancers, HA in the tumor matrix is overexpressed. Both CD44 on cancer cells and HA in the matrix have been targets for anticancer therapy. Even though CD44 is expressed in normal epithelial cells and HA is part of the matrix of normal tissues, selective targeting to cancer is possible. This is because macromolecular carriers predominantly extravasate into the tumor and not normal tissue; thus CD44-HA targeted carriers administered intravenously localize preferentially into tumors. Anti-CD44 antibodies have been used in patients to deliver radioisotopes or mertansine for treatment of CD44 expressing tumors. In early phase clinical trials, patients with breast or head and neck tumors treated with anti-CD44 conjugates experienced stabilized disease. A dose-limiting toxicity was associated with distribution of the antibody-drug conjugate to the skin, a site in the body with a high level of CD44. HA has been used as a drug carrier and a ligand on liposomes or nanoparticles to target drugs to CD44 overexpressing cells. Drugs can be attached to HA via the carboxylate on the glucuronic acid residue, the hydroxyl on the N-acetylglucosamine or the reducing end which are located on a repeating disaccharide. Drugs delivered in HA-modified liposomes exhibited excellent antitumor activity both in vitro and in murine tumor models. The HA matrix is also a potential target for anticancer therapies. By manipulating the interaction of HA with cell surface receptors, either by degrading it with hyaluronidase or by interfering with CD44-HA interactions using soluble CD44 proteins, tumor progression was blocked. Finally, cytotoxic drugs or prodrug converting enzymes can be attached to the HA matrix to generate a cytotoxic fence around the tumor. This review describes how the complex interplay among cancer biology, the CD44-HA interaction, drug carriers and drug targeting has been used to improve anticancer therapies. As these approaches evolve, they hold forth the prospect of significantly improved targeted anticancer treatments.     

Paclitaxel-Loaded TPGS2k/Gelatin-Grafted Cyclodextrin/Hyaluronic Acid-Grafted Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles for Oral Bioavailability and Targeting Enhancement

The clinical applications of paclitaxel (PTX), a natural compound with broad-spectrum antitumor effects, have been markedly limited owing to its poor oral bioavailability and lack of targeting ability. Recently, several drug carriers, such as TPGS_2k, gelatin (Gel), cyclodextrin (CD), and hyaluronic acid (HA), have been identified as promising enhancers of drug efficacy. Therefore, Gel-grafted CD (GEL-CD) and HA-grafted CD (HA-CD) were synthesized via grafting, and PTX-loaded TPGS_2k/GEL-CD/HA-CD nanoparticles (TGHC-PTX-NPs) were successfully prepared using the ultrasonic crushing method. The mean particles size, polydispersity index, and Zeta potential of TGHC-PTX-NPs were 253.57 ± 2.64 nm, 0.13 ± 0.03, and 0.087 ± 0.005 mV, respectively. TGHC-PTX-NPs with an encapsulation efficiency of 61.77 ± 0.47% and a loading capacity of 6.86 ± 0.32% appeared round and uniformly dispersed based on transmission electron microscopy. In vitro release data revealed that TGHC-PTX-NPs had good sustained-release properties. Further, TGHC-PTX-NPs had increased the targeted uptake by HeLa cells as HA can specifically bind to the CD44 receptor at the cell surface, and its intestinal absorption is related to caveolin-mediated endocytosis. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that TGHC-PTX-NPs significantly enhanced the absorption of PTX in vivo compared to the PTX suspension, with a relative bioavailability of 227.21%. Such findings indicate the potential of TGHC-PTX-NPs for numerous clinical applications.     

Hepatitis B surface protein docked vesicular carrier for site specific delivery to liver

The intrinsic liver tropism of liposomes can be augmented by the addition of targeting features such as the incorporation of hepatotropic elements of the hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B virus is known to infect hepatocytes after viremia by asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated uptake. However, the specificity of hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) towards hepatocytes has confronting reports. In the present study, we evaluated the functional ability of HBsAg to be employed as a ligand for targeting hepatocytes. We prepared (14)C labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) composed of egg PC/Cholesterol/N-glutarylphosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE) in a 60:30:10 molar ratio. HBsAg was covalently linked to SUVs using a water-soluble carbodiimide (EDC) mediated conjugation with NGPE. In vitro cell binding and uptake studies revealed that bioprotein docked carrier system was efficiently taken up by HepG2 cells by the receptor mediated endocytosis. The biodistribution behaviour of plain and HBsAg coated liposomes was also examined followed by intravenous injection. The study revealed that almost 75% of the radioactivity was recovered in the liver after 4 h of injection that was nearly three-fold greater in magnitude than the plain liposomes. Further, fractionation of liver into liver parenchymal cells (PC) and non-parenchymal cells confirmed the preferential localization of the HBsAg coated liposomal carrier in the parenchymal cells.     

Hepatitis B surface protein docked vesicular carrier for site specific delivery to liver

The intrinsic liver tropism of liposomes can be augmented by the addition of targeting features such as the incorporation of hepatotropic elements of the hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B virus is known to infect hepatocytes after viremia by asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated uptake. However, the specificity of hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) towards hepatocytes has confronting reports. In the present study, we evaluated the functional ability of HBsAg to be employed as a ligand for targeting hepatocytes. We prepared ¹⁴C labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) composed of egg PC/Cholesterol/N-glutarylphosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE) in a 60:30:10 molar ratio. HBsAg was covalently linked to SUVs using a water-soluble carbodiimide (EDC) mediated conjugation with NGPE. In vitro cell binding and uptake studies revealed that bioprotein docked carrier system was efficiently taken up by HepG2 cells by the receptor mediated endocytosis. The biodistribution behaviour of plain and HBsAg coated liposomes was also examined followed by intravenous injection. The study revealed that almost 75% of the radioactivity was recovered in the liver after 4 h of injection that was nearly three-fold greater in magnitude than the plain liposomes. Further, fractionation of liver into liver parenchymal cells (PC) and non-parenchymal cells confirmed the preferential localization of the HBsAg coated liposomal carrier in the parenchymal cells.     

Mechanisms and kinetics of liposome-cell interactions

Although the possibility of targeting drugs to specific tissues and cells, as well as facilitating their uptake and cytoplasmic delivery has rendered liposomes a versatile drug carrier system with numerous potential applications in medicine, the molecular mechanisms of liposome-cell interactions are not understood well. Here we have reviewed the early and current concepts of liposome-cell interactions, including possible liposome receptors. Uptake of liposomes by cells can be modified by the lipid composition, particularly by the inclusion of steric stabilizers such as PEG-conjugated lipids. Such modifications also alter the circulation time and biodistribution of liposomes, which can thus be tailored for particular applications. The intracellular fate of encapsulated molecules can be modified by the use of pH-sensitive liposomes which can also be sterically stabilized. Cationic liposomes that can undergo lipid mixing with cellular membranes can deliver complexed DNA to cells, but most likely via an endocytotic process. Kinetic analysis of liposome-cell interactions can elucidate the numbers of liposome receptors of several types and the corresponding binding constants. It is likely that liposomes bind to different cell surface receptors on different cells, and that they utilize more than one type of receptor on a particular cell. The kinetic analysis also provides the rate constants of endocytosis and the percentages of liposomes that are bound or endocytosed.     

结肠癌靶向米托蒽醌脂质体的制备及其抗肿瘤活性研究

目的:比较透明质酸(HA)修饰的脂质体(HA-LP)与普通脂质体(LP)的抗转移及抗肿瘤活性。方法:采用薄膜水化法制备空白脂质体,通过透明质酸上的羧基与膜材中DSPE的氨基反应将HA连接在脂质体上,运用硫酸铵梯度法包载模型药物米托蒽醌;通过透射电镜表征脂质体形态;免疫荧光法检测结肠癌细胞(CT26 cells)中透明质酸受体CD44表达情况;高内涵扫描仪检测结肠癌细胞对脂质体的摄取情况;划痕实验考察2组脂质体抑制细胞转移的能力;体内抗肿瘤实验考察2组脂质体的抑瘤效果。结果:所制备的脂质体形态均一,包封率均大于95%。免疫荧光结果显示,结肠癌细胞中CD44受体高度表达。相同的药物浓度下,HA-LP相较于未修饰的脂质体具有明显增加的细胞摄取。划痕实验结果表明,HA可能与受体CD44存在某种相互作用,抑制了结肠癌细胞的转移,表现出HA-LP具有更强的抗转移活性。体内抗肿瘤结果显示,HA-LP对小鼠荷结肠癌实体瘤的抑瘤率为62.1%,显著高于普通脂质体组(46.6%,P<0.05)。结论:HA-LP与细胞膜上的受体CD44作用,显著增加了其细胞摄取,并抑制了结肠癌细胞的转移,体内抑瘤结果同样显示,具有肿瘤靶向功能的HA-LP具有更强的抑制肿瘤生长的能力。     

Potential role of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family as mediators of cellular drug uptake

We highlight the importance of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family and its pharmaceutical implications in the field of drug delivery. The members of the LDL receptor family are a group of cell surface receptors that transport a number of macromolecules into cells through a process called receptor-mediated endocytosis. This process involves the receptor recognizing a ligand from the extracellular membrane (ECM), internalizing it through clathrin-coated pits and degrading it upon fusion with lysosomes. There are nine members of the receptor family, which include the LDL receptor, low-density lipoprotein-related protein (LRP), megalin, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, apoER2 and sorLA/LRP11, LRP1b, MEGF7, LRP5/6; the former six having been identified in humans. Each member is expressed in a number of different tissues and has a wide range of different ligands, not specific to the recognition of the LDL particle. Thus, rather than the original hypothesis that the receptor is only a mediator of cholesterol uptake, it may also be involved in a number of other physiological functions, including the progression of certain disease states and, potentially, cellular drug uptake. A number of studies have suggested that the LDL receptors are involved in endocytosis of drugs and drug formulations including aminoglycosides, anionic liposomes and cyclosporine A (CsA). This article reviews the importance of lipoproteins as a drug delivery system and how LDL receptors are relevant to the design and targeting of specific drugs.     

Targeted delivery of hyaluronic acid nanomicelles to hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis rats

Hepatic fibrosis is one kind of liver diseases with a high mortality rate and incidence. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the most fundamental reason of hepatic fibrosis. There are no specific and effective drug delivery carriers for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis at present. We found that when hepatic fibrosis occurs, the expression of CD44 receptors on the surface of HSCs is significantly increased. Based on this finding, we designed silibinin-loaded hyaluronic acid (SLB-HA) micelles to achieve the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Meanwhile, we constructed liver fibrosis rat model using Sprague–Dawley rats. We demonstrated that HA micelles had specific uptake to HSCs in vitro while avoiding the distribution in normal liver cells and the phagocytosis of macrophages. Importantly, HA micelles showed a significant liver targeting effect in vivo, especially in fibrotic liver which highly expressed CD44 receptors. In addition, SLB-HA micelles could selectively kill activated HSCs, having an excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in vivo and a significant sustained release effect, and also had a good biological safety and biocompatibility. Overall, HA micelles represented a novel nanomicelle system which showed great potentiality in anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs delivery.     

Disaccharide-modified liposomes and their in vitro intracellular uptake

Sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) were known to be accumulated passively in cancer due to the effect of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). However, drug delivery via SSL to cancer seemed to show an insufficient improvement of chemotherapeutic efficacy. Herein, carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) of cell surface, which express on the plasmic membrane of many malignant cells, can be a good model of surface-modified liposomes. In this study, we investigated the in vitro characteristics of liposomes of which the surface was modified with a disaccharide molecule, sucrose or maltose. The disaccharide-modified lipids such as sucrose-modified lipid and maltose-modified lipid, in which the disaccharide was conjugated to the one end of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG2000), was synthesized. The disaccharide-modified liposomes were prepared by thin film-hydration method and then doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, was loaded to the prepared liposomes by the remote loading method with ammonium ion gradient. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses showed that the disaccharide-modified liposomes enhanced the intracellular uptake of liposomes into various cancer cell lines via lectin-mediated endocytosis. The disaccharide-modified liposomes in which DOX was loaded inside of liposomes exhibited higher cytotoxicity against various cancer cells than DOX-loaded SSL did. These results suggest that disaccharide-modified liposomes may be promising cancer targeting carriers which can enhance intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded liposomes via lectin-mediated endocytosis.     

A novel tumor-targeted delivery system with hydrophobized hyaluronic acid-spermine conjugates (HHSCs) for efficient receptor-mediated siRNA delivery

A novel target specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system was successfully developed using hydrophobized hyaluronic acid-spermine conjugates (HHSCs), which were previously synthesized and their properties were also characterized in our published papers. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled specific Silencer Select siRNAs were used as a model system suppressing the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression. The polymers were able to effectively bind siRNA, self-assemble into micelles, protect siRNA from degradation by nuclease and release complexed siRNA efficiently in the presence of low concentrations of polyanionic heparin. The cytotoxicity of siRNA/HHSCs complex to SGC-7901 cells was lower than that of siRNA/PEI 25k and Lipofectamine 2000 complex according to the MTT assay. When SGC-7901 and GES-1 cells were treated with FITC labeled siRNA/HHSCs complexes, SGC-7901 cells, with a cluster determinant 44 receptor (CD(44)), showed higher green fluorescent intensity than GES-1 cells because of the HA receptor mediated endocytosis of the complex. In addition, the inhibitory effect on the uptake in the presence of free HA in the transfection medium revealed that siRNA/HHSC-1 complex was selectively taken up to SGC-7901 cells via HA-receptor mediated endocytosis. Based on flow cytometry and microscopy, observation revealed that siRNA/HHSC complex was taken up preferentially through caveolae-mediated endocytosis, which may be a desirable pathway for avoiding the lysosomal degradation of delivered genes. All these results demonstrated that the intracellular delivery of siRNA/HHSC complex could be facilitated by the HA-receptor mediated endocytosis.     

Surface-modified liposomes for syndecan 2–targeted delivery of edelfosine

Here, we report that the modification of liposome surfaces with AG73 peptides enhances delivery of the lipophilic anticancer drug, edelfosine, to tumor cells overexpressing the cell-surface receptor, syndecan 2. To test the effect of liposomal surface density of AG73 peptides on cellular uptake, we synthesized AG73 peptide-conjugated polyethylene glycol (MW 2000) lipid and incorporated it into fluorescence dye-labeled anionic liposomes with different ligand densities (1, 2, or 5 mol% of total lipids). Cellular uptake of AG73-peptide–modified liposomes gradually increased in proportion to the surface ligand density. The percentages of cells positive for AG73-modified, fluorescent-dye–labeled liposomes were 19.8 ± 2.0%, 23.1 ± 5.0%, and 99.2 ± 1.0%, for ligand mole percentages of 1, 2, and 5, respectively. The cell-targeting ability of AG73-modified liposomes was not significantly altered by the serum content of culture media. In keeping with the observed enhanced cellular uptake, AG73-peptide–modified liposomes entrapping edelfosine exhibited greater cancer cell-killing effects compared with unmodified liposomes. Following intravenous administration into tumor-bearing mice, AG73-peptide–modified liposomes showed 2.1-fold greater accumulation in tumors than unmodified liposomes. These results support the feasibility of using syndecan 2–directed liposomes for delivery of edelfosine.     

Targeting of liposomes containing methotrexate towards Tetrahymena pyriformis cells

The uptake of liposomes containing methotrexate by Tetrahymena pyriformis cells was investigated with the aim of producing liposome-cell association enabling methotrexate to be introduced into the cytoplasm of intact cells. Incubation of liposomes containing methotrexate with tetrahymena pyriformis cells resulted in a time and concentration-dependent uptake of entrapped methotrexate by the cells. The uptake by Tetrahymena pyriformis cells (at 1 hr) of liposomes prepared by phospholipids and gangliosides extracted from Tetrahymena pyriformis cells was approximately three fold higher than that of liposomes prepared by commercial phospholipids. Approximately 90% of liposome uptake could be inhibited by cytochalasin B and also by NaN3 and 2-deoxyglucose. This was consistent with the uptake being the result of endocytosis. The remaining uptake was probably the result of adhesion of liposomes to the cell membrane. The rate of efflux vs time of methotrexate entrapped in liposomes was much slower than that of free methotrexate which reinforces the concept that endocytosis is the main mode of liposomes uptake by the cells. Liposomes containing methotrexate at concentrations as low as 4.5 microM effectively inhibited the activity of dihydrofolate reductase which was used as a function parameter in this study. Similar inhibition of the enzyme activity by free methotrexate was achieved only at concentrations as high as 880 microM. The influence of liposomes lipid composition on the targeting of liposomes to Tetrahymena pyriformis cells was discussed.     

Factors governing the in vivo tissue uptake of transferrin-coupled polyethylene glycol liposomes in vivo

Liposomes, coated with transferrin (Tf)-coupled polyethylene glycol are considered to be potent carriers for drug delivery to various organs via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Since Tf receptors were ubiquitously expressed in various organs, additional perturbation of the liposomes such as regulation of the size may be required to exhibit the tissue selectivity. In the present study, the effect of size on the uptake of transferrin-coupled polyethylene glycol liposomes (Tf-PEG-L) to various organs was investigated. In liver and brain, Tf-dependent uptake was found to be dependent on the size of the liposomes used. In small liposomes with a diameter of 60-80 nm, Tf-PEG-L was taken up to these organs more efficiently than PEG-L. This Tf-dependent uptake for small liposomes decreased by the high dose administration, suggested that Tf-PEG-L is taken up via Tf receptor-mediated endocytosis even under the physiological condition, in which plasma concentration of endogenous Tf remains high. On the other hand, Tf receptor-mediated uptake was also observed in the heart, but size-dependency was not observed in this case. Collectively, these results indicate that size dependency in the uptake of Tf-PEG-L is tissue-dependent and therefore, controlling the size of Tf-PEG-L may be useful for the success of tissue targeting.     

CD44 directed nanomicellar payload delivery platform for selective anticancer effect and tumor specific imaging of triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive tumor subtype, lacking estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER-2) receptors. Thus, early detection and targeted therapy of TNBC is an urgent need. Herein, we have developed a CD44 targeting Hyaluronic Acid (HA) decorated biocompatible oligomer, containing FDA approved vitamin E TPGS and Styrene Maleic Anhydride (SMA) (HA-SMA-TPGS) for targeting TNBC. The self-assembling HA-SMA-TPGS was encapsulated with poorly water soluble, potent curcumin analogue (CDF) to form nanomicelles (NM), HA-SMA-TPGS-CDF has demonstrated excellent nanoparticle characteristics for parenteral delivery. The targeted NM can selectively kill TNBC cells through CD44 mediated apoptosis pathway. Tumor imaging using phase-2 clinical trial near infrared (NIR)-fluorescent dye (S0456) conjugate, HA-SMA-TPGS-S0456 showed excellent TNBC tumor accumulation with minimum liver and spleen uptake. To our best of knowledge, for the first time, we are reporting a promising platform for CD44 mediated multimodal NIR imaging and cytotoxin delivery to TNBC.     

Mannosylated liposomes as antigen delivery vehicles for targeting to dendritic cells

The immune stimulating ability of mannosylated liposomes containing FITC-ovalbumin as a model antigen and displaying either a branched tri-mannose or a mono-mannose ligand on the liposome surface was investigated in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) and murine bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Uptake of liposomes, dendritic cell activation and proliferation of CD8(+) T cells from OT-I transgenic mice were determined by flow cytometry. Uptake of liposomes displaying the tri-mannose ligand was enhanced in human MoDCs compared with both non-mannosylated liposomes and liposomes displaying mono-mannose ligands. However, this increased uptake did not result in an increase in expression of CD80 or CD86 on the surface of the MoDCs. In contrast, neither tri-mannose- nor mono-mannose-containing liposomes were taken up by murine BMDCs to a greater extent than non-mannose-containing liposomes. The expression of CD86 and CD40 on the surface of BMDCs was not increased after exposure to mannosylated liposomes and BMDCs incubated with mannosylated liposomes were not able to stimulate proliferation of CD8(+) T cells to any greater extent than BMDCs incubated with non-mannosylated liposomes. These findings suggest that while mannose-containing ligands can enhance the uptake of antigen-containing liposomes by some dendritic cells, important differences in the affinity of carbohydrate-binding receptors for mannose-containing ligands do exist between species. In addition, the increase in uptake of antigen by dendritic cells using mannosylated liposomes does not necessarily result in enhanced dendritic cell activation.     

Development a hyaluronic acid ion-pairing liposomal nanoparticle for enhancing anti-glioma efficacy by modulating glioma microenvironment

Glioma, one of the most common brain tumors, remains a challenge worldwide. Due to the specific biological barriers such as blood–brain barrier (BBB), cancer stem cells (CSCs), tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), and vasculogenic mimicry channels (VMs), a novel versatile targeting delivery for anti-glioma is in urgent need. Here, we designed a hyaluronic acid (HA) ion-pairing nanoparticle. Then, these nanoparticles were encapsulated in liposomes, termed as DOX-HA-LPs, which showed near-spherical morphology with an average size of 155.8?nm and uniform distribution (PDI?=?0.155). HA was proven to specifically bind to CD44 receptor, which is over-expressed on the surface of tumor cells, other associated cells (such as CSCs and TAMs) and VMs. We systematically investigated anti-glioma efficacy and mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. The strong anti-glioma efficacy could attribute to the accumulation in glioma site and the regulation of tumor microenvironment with depletion of TAMs, inhibition of VMs, and elimination of CSCs.     

Solubilization, purification, and functional reconstitution of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptors from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptors from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells were solubilized using 1.1% n-octylglucoside; five other detergents were less effective. Purification was achieved by affinity chromatography using immobilized GR119566X and biospecific elution with quipazine. Saturation analyses with [3H] GR67330 binding revealed high affinity binding to homogeneous populations of sites in both the solubilized (Kd = 0.05 +/- 0.02 nM) and purified (Kd = 0.10 +/- 0.04 nM) preparations. Competition experiments indicated that the solubilized and purified receptor preparations retained the characteristics observed in N1E-115 cells in vivo. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified receptor revealed a single protein band of 54.7 +/- 1.3 kDa. The purified receptor was incorporated into liposomes, and the functional integrity of the protein was demonstrated by measurement of m-chlorophenylbiguanide-stimulated 22Na uptake. Saturation analysis of the reconstituted preparation revealed a Kd of 0.24 +/- 0.07 nM and suggested that 0.2% of 5-HT3 receptors present in the original membrane preparation had been incorporated into liposomes.     

CD44-tropic polymeric nanocarrier for breast cancer targeted rapamycin chemotherapy

In contrast with the conventional targeting of nanoparticles to cancer cells with antibody or peptide conjugates, a hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix nanoparticle with intrinsic-CD44-tropism was developed to deliver rapamycin for localized CD44-positive breast cancer treatment. Rapamycin was chemically conjugated to the particle surface via a novel sustained-release linker, 3-amino-4-methoxy-benzoic acid. The release of the drug from the HA nanoparticle was improved by 42-fold compared to HA-temsirolimus in buffered saline. In CD44-positive MDA-MB-468 cells, using HA as drug delivery carrier, the cell viability was significantly decreased compared to free rapamycin and CD44-blocked controls. Rat pharmacokinetics showed that the area under the curve of HA nanoparticle formulation was 2.96-fold greater than that of the free drug, and the concomitant total body clearance was 8.82-fold slower. Moreover, in immunocompetent BALB/c mice bearing CD44-positive 4T1.2neu breast cancer, the rapamycin-loaded HA particles significantly improved animal survival, suppressed tumor growth and reduced the prevalence of lung metastasis.From the Clinical EditorThis study demonstrates increased efficiency of rapamycin delivery and consequential treatment effects in a breast cancer model by hyaluronic acid - L-rapamycin conjugates with intrinsic tropism for CD44-positive cells.